Linda Hope

During his career, Bob Hope was the only performer to achieve top-rated success in every form of mass entertainment. American Masters explores the entertainer’s life through his personal archives and clips from his classic films.

Bob Hope is in San Antonio, TX with Clint Black, Phylicia Rashad, Rita Rudner, wife Dolores and Texas governor Ann Richards for his annual Christmas show.

Three years after taping his previous show in the Persian Gulf, Bob Hope returns to the front line to put on another USO Christmas extravaganza, this time in Saudi Arabia for US Troops preparing with other nations to expel Iraq's 1990 invasion and attempted annexation of Kuwait.

His career started in the glory days of vaudeville. More than 70 years later, he is revered as the most popular and influential entertainer of the century, the show-biz giant all others are measured against. On stage and screen, on TV and radio, on Broadway and USO stages worldwide, Bob Hope has enjoyed a career of unmatched popularity. In this special, feature-length presentation, BIOGRAPHY traces his remarkable life, from his vaudeville debut he had third billing, behind a trained seal to entertaining the troops of Desert Storm. Extensive clips capture his greatest performances, while family photos and the recollections of friends, colleagues and family provide an intimate portrait of the private man.

A tribute to Bob Hope on his 100th brithday.

A TV special honoring Bob Hope on his 90th birthday.